Plant automation provider wins major infrastructure contracts in South America

Metso will deliver its automation technology to two major infrastructure projects currently under construction in South America: Belo is the world’s third largest hydroelectric plant in Brazil and the TUY-IV project in Venezuela is a dam project aiming to supply water to Caracas.

Both orders have been placed together with orders for Metso crushing and screening plants.

“Automation technologies are gaining in popularity for mining and construction applications as the demand to improve production process efficiency has been increasing due to the scarcity of raw materials and energy sources and their ever-climbing costs. These two orders are good examples that indicate the growing development of this trend,” says Product Manager Mikko T. Mäkinen from Metso Automation.

Metso’s scope of delivery to both customers will include complete automation: Metso DNA will control and monitor the primary, secondary & tertiary crushing and the loading area. The plant can be operated by using graphic screens on desktop PCs or local control boxes spread throughout the field.

The 11,233 MW Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant is scheduled to begin commercial operation in January 2015. Delivery to the Venezuelan dam project is scheduled for the first quarter of 2012, and project startup is expected to occur the same year.